WILMINGTON, N.C. — UNCW Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Amid Reports of Possible Gunman on Campus
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) was placed under a shelter-in-place order Thursday evening following reports of a possible gunman on campus, prompting swift action from both university officials and local law enforcement. The incident has left the campus community on high alert and sparked concern among students, faculty, staff, and families throughout the region.
According to initial reports, UNCW authorities received a call around [insert time, if known] regarding a potential armed individual in or near one of the university’s buildings. In response, university police immediately activated emergency protocols and issued a shelter-in-place alert to all students and staff via text message, email, and the university’s emergency notification system.
Students and faculty were instructed to remain indoors, lock all doors, turn off lights, and stay away from windows until further notice. Campus police, along with local law enforcement agencies, quickly responded to the scene to assess the threat, secure the area, and conduct a thorough search.
The UNCW Police Department, in coordination with the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, has been working diligently to investigate the situation, combing through campus buildings and reviewing surveillance footage to determine whether the threat is credible and ongoing.
As of [insert current time if known], there have been no confirmed sightings of an armed individual, and no injuries have been reported. However, officials have emphasized that the shelter-in-place order remains in effect as a precaution while the investigation continues.
UNCW Chancellor [insert name if known] released a brief statement expressing concern for the safety of all students and staff, stating, “Our highest priority is the well-being of our campus community. We are working closely with law enforcement to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible. We ask for patience and cooperation as we navigate this developing incident.”
For many students, the lockdown has been a frightening and tense experience. Social media has been flooded with posts from individuals barricading inside classrooms, dorms, and offices, updating loved ones and seeking information as the situation unfolds.
Parents and families are understandably worried, many of whom are hundreds of miles away and anxiously awaiting updates. UNCW has urged them to monitor official university channels for accurate and timely information, and to avoid spreading unconfirmed details on social media.
While the situation is still developing, UNCW has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to protect those on campus. Counselors and student support services are being prepared to assist those who may be affected by the trauma of the event once the lockdown is lifted.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the growing number of emergency situations affecting campuses across the country. It highlights the importance of preparedness, clear communication, and rapid response in ensuring the safety and security of academic institutions.
The UNCW community is urged to remain vigilant, follow all instructions from law enforcement, and avoid speculation until further updates are provided by official sources.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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